Time Is of the Essence

For contract law term, see time is of the essence.

Time Is of the Essence is Michael Brecker's sixth album as a leader. It was recorded at the Power Station and Right Track in New York City. The record is notable for guitarist Pat Metheny’s strong presence and three outstanding drummers- Jeff “Tain” Watts, Bill Stewart and the legendary Elvin Jones- who each play on separate tracks.

Time Is of the Essence
Studio album by Michael Brecker
Released	October 1999
Recorded	1999
Studio	Avatar Studios and Right Track Recording (New York City)
Genre	Jazz
Length	69:31
Label	Verve
Producer	George Whitty
Michael Brecker chronology
Two Blocks from the Edge (1998) Time Is of the Essence (1999) Nearness of You: The Ballad Book (2001)

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
Allmusic
The Penguin Guide to Jazz Recordings

Track listing

All tracks composed by Michael Brecker, except where indicated.

No.	Title	Writer(s)	Length
1.	"Arc of the Pendulum"		8:59
2.	"Sound Off"	Larry Goldings	6:05
3.	"Half Past Late"		6:06
4.	"Timeline"	Pat Metheny	6:06
5.	"The Morning of This Night"		7:41
6.	"Renaissance Man (for Eddie Harris)"	George Whitty	8:34
7.	"Dr. Slate"		7:39
8.	"As I Am"	Pat Metheny	6:48
9.	"Outrance"		10:07

Personnel

Musicians

• Michael Brecker – tenor saxophone
• Larry Goldings – organ
• Pat Metheny – guitars
• Elvin Jones – drums (tracks 1, 4, 9)
• Jeff "Tain" Watts – drums (tracks 2, 5, 7)
• Bill Stewart – drums (tracks 3, 6, 8)

Technical personnel

• George Whitty – producer
• James Farber – recording and mixing
• Andrew Felus – recording assistant, mix assistant
• Andrea Yarkovsky – recording assistant, mix assistant
• Scott Young – recording assistant, mix assistant
• Greg Calbi – mastering at Sterling Sound, New York City, USA
• Camille Tominaro – production coordination
• Hollis King – art direction
• Leland Bobbé – cover photography
• Darryl Pitt – inside photography